100 Miles. 24 Hours. One Northern Driver. | Mackyard Ultra 2027

100 Miles. 24 Hours. One Northern Driver.

I’ve signed myself up to attempt 100 miles in 24 hours.

And before anyone asks, yes, I’m fully aware of how ridiculous that sounds.

On 13 March 2027, I’ll be taking part in the Mackyard Ultra, raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Association) through Northern’s charity partnership.

The challenge is simple. Every hour, on the hour, I’ll set off to complete a 4.167-mile lap. Whatever time is left before the next hour begins is all I get to recover.

24 laps. 24 hours. 100 miles.

That’s the plan, anyway.

I’m 42, a dad, a newly qualified train driver and certainly not built like your typical ultramarathon runner. This time last year, the idea of attempting anything remotely like this would have been laughable.

But I’ve come to realise that you don’t necessarily have to look like someone capable of doing something extraordinary to give it a go.

And if I’m going to attempt something this demanding, I’d like it to mean something beyond crossing a finish line.

Motor neurone disease is a devastating condition that progressively takes away abilities most of us take for granted. There is currently no cure.

The MND Association provides vital support to people and families affected, campaigns for better care and funds research towards a cure.

And this is where I need your help.

I’m hoping to raise £1,000, but I can’t make this fundraiser a success on my own.
I’d love to see the wider railway family get behind it. Whether you’re with Northern, another train operating company, Network Rail, a freight operator or anywhere else across the industry, this is an opportunity for us to come together for something worthwhile.
And of course, that invitation extends to friends, family and anyone who wants to support the cause.

Whether it’s £2, £5 or whatever you can comfortably spare, every donation genuinely matters. And if you can’t donate, simply sharing this page could make a real difference.

I can’t promise I’ll complete all 100 miles. But I can promise I’ll give it everything I’ve got.

I have no idea whether my legs will carry me 100 miles. But I'd love to see how much good we can do along the way.

Thank you for your support.
Ben